Studies show that Distracted Driving is the equivalent of Drunk driving but the safety problem is increasing.
Starting today distracted driving laws in Ontario are strengthened to include license suspensions, increased demerit points and an increase to the minimum financial penalty that can be charged to those guilty of distracted driving.
Distracted driving continues to be a challenge everywhere but on Ontario’s roads – nearly a decade after the initial legislation banning handheld devices was passed – it’s still a big problem. In Ontario one person is injured in a distracted driving collision every half an hour. CAA research shows that one in three Ontario drivers claim to engage in distracted driving as a result of using a mobile device.
The new legislation is the first increase since September 2015 when demerit points were added to distracted driving convictions.
“The new fines and penalties are some of the strongest in the country, and they will further aid law enforcement in their continued effort to make road conditions safer for everyone,” said Elliott Silverstein of the non-profit CAA South Central Ontario.
Starting January 1, 2019, Ontario drivers can expect the following fines and penalties if caught driving distracted:
- The minimum financial penalty will increase from $490 to $615.
- A first conviction for distracted driving will now result in a three-day license suspension, three demerit points and a minimum financial penalty of $615.
- A second conviction will result in a financial penalty of up to $2000 (previously up to $1000), six demerit points and a seven-day license suspension.
- For third (or more) convictions, drivers will face a financial penalty of up to $3000 (previously up to $1000), six demerit points and a 30-day license suspension.
CAA has the following tips to reduce distractions:
- Turn off mobile devices
- Stow and secure loose objects
- Avoid eating, drinking or smoking
- Prepare children with everything they need
- Pre-set the climate control and radio
- Pre-program your route on GPS
- Allow phone calls to go to voicemail
- Don’t text, surf the web or read emails
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, publisher (kzhw@aol.com), is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
Zino is at home on test tracks, knows his way around U.S. Congressional hearing rooms, auto company headquarters, plant floors, as well as industry research and development labs where the real mobility work is done. He can quote from court decisions, refer to instrumented road tests, analyze financial results, and profile executive personalities and corporate cultures.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Will Updated Ontario Distracted Driving Laws Induce Drivers to Finally Put Down Their Connected Mobile Devices?
Studies show that Distracted Driving is the equivalent of Drunk driving but the safety problem is increasing.
Starting today distracted driving laws in Ontario are strengthened to include license suspensions, increased demerit points and an increase to the minimum financial penalty that can be charged to those guilty of distracted driving.
Distracted driving continues to be a challenge everywhere but on Ontario’s roads – nearly a decade after the initial legislation banning handheld devices was passed – it’s still a big problem. In Ontario one person is injured in a distracted driving collision every half an hour. CAA research shows that one in three Ontario drivers claim to engage in distracted driving as a result of using a mobile device.
The new legislation is the first increase since September 2015 when demerit points were added to distracted driving convictions.
“The new fines and penalties are some of the strongest in the country, and they will further aid law enforcement in their continued effort to make road conditions safer for everyone,” said Elliott Silverstein of the non-profit CAA South Central Ontario.
Starting January 1, 2019, Ontario drivers can expect the following fines and penalties if caught driving distracted:
CAA has the following tips to reduce distractions:
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, publisher (kzhw@aol.com), is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. Zino is at home on test tracks, knows his way around U.S. Congressional hearing rooms, auto company headquarters, plant floors, as well as industry research and development labs where the real mobility work is done. He can quote from court decisions, refer to instrumented road tests, analyze financial results, and profile executive personalities and corporate cultures. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.